According to studies, our body might deal with temperature fluctuation due to aging and elderly people are at high risk for developing health issues such as heart disease and hypothermia during this fall and winter months. However, with proper care and precaution we can prevent this from happening. And, as a concerned child or caregiver, we need to ensure that our elderly loved ones are safe and warm to avoid these life-threatening issues. 

Here are some tips to keep your elderly loved ones safe, comfortable and warm inside and outside of their elderly homes during this cold season.

Ensure that their residence heating system or boiler are properly working.

Whether your elderly loved ones are living in an assisted living apartment or living independently in their homes — make sure that their home is well insulated and their heating, ventilation and air conditioning system are working properly. According to studies, the temperature inside an elderly home should not reach below 18°C to ensure that they are safe and warm. Also, keep their doors and windows closed to keep the heat inside their home and to save on your heating bills. Thus, draw their curtains during the night to prevent the heat escaping their place and have your HVAC system checked regularly to avoid any trouble or inconvenience.

Choose the right clothes for this season.

Wearing warm clothes is necessary for the elderly and choosing the right clothes to wear during this chilly season is vital for our elderly loved ones health and safety. Make sure to check the weather forecast before your elderly loved ones go outside and bundle them up for the weather — encourage them to wear more layers such as ultra light down coats, vests, jackets, parka, sweatshirts, thermal underwear and a waterproof coat or jacket during snowy and icy days. To provide extra warmth, cover their head, neck and other extremities with a hat, shawl, scarf, gloves or mittens.

Keep their feet warm and comfortable.

Also, be mindful in choosing your elderly loved ones shoes. Give them a good pair of insulated boots or shoes to keep their feet warm during the winter season — their shoes should be also well-fitted and have non-slippery soles. Thus, wearing non-slip socks for seniors in their home or nursing home is a must to protect their feet from getting cold — it also has super grips at sole to provide superb grip on slick surfaces such as wood floors and tile floors that prevent falling or losing balance while walking or running.

Make their bed and space warm and cozy.

Make your elderly home warm and cozy by putting some things that can give them an extra source of comfort such as additional pillows, flannel bed sheets, foot warmer, duvet or comforter. Fuzzy fleece throw blankets are also common for everyday use because it is very easy to care for and can be washed by machine often. They also dry relatively quickly. Thus, it is breathable, durable and it feels nice against the skin — it is also lightweight and perfect to bring anywhere. 

Encourage them to exercise at home or to be active as much as possible.

One of the simplest ways to increase our body temperature is to do workouts. So, motivate your elderly loved ones to exercise and to be active as much as possible during the colder months. Regular exercise can strengthen their immune system and it can prevent them from being sick. Hit the gym or try indoor exercises for the elderly, such as Zumba, yoga, strength or balance exercises — these exercises will also help seniors to improve flexibility and maintain good posture.

Prepare some hot soup or stew for them at least once a day.

Warm their body and fill their stomach with hot, savory and healthy meals for seniors this fall and winter months. There are many varieties of soup and stew that your elderly will surely love such as seafood stew, pumpkin soup, creamy mushroom soup or chicken and vegetable noodle soup. You can also cook your senior loved ones favorite food or comfort food to warm them up this season. 

Giving them a cup of warm water or tea can also increase their body temperature — it also helps to wash germs and viruses out of their immune system. Thus, snuggling and cuddling can also keep the elderly warm during this season, so make sure to spend some time with them and let them feel the warmth of your love and embrace.